Device For Monitoring Performance Characteristics Associated With User Activities Involving Swinging Instruments

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices for attachment to a swinging instrument that generally include a cover, a base, a chassis, and positive and negative electrical contacts. The base includes a fastening portion and a support portion. The chassis supports a printed circuit board. The devices include a cap configured and dimensioned to mate relative to the support portion of the base. The support portion can support the chassis, the printed circuit board, the positive and negative electrical contacts, and the cap. The cover can be configured and dimensioned to detachably interlock relative to the base. In the mated configuration, the cap and the base can form a battery opening configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough a battery. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of device assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and associated methods formonitoring performance characteristics associated with user activitiesinvolving swinging instruments and, in particular, to devices whichprovide convenient access to, and replacement, of an internal batterypositioned within a secure housing.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there have been efforts to monitor, track, and/oranalyze a golfer's performance during a round of golf. Conventionaldevices generally include an internal battery, e.g., a button or coincell battery, surrounded by a housing which may be difficult to accessand/or remove for replacement purposes. For example, due to the smallconfiguration of the battery, it may be difficult to detach the batteryfrom the housing and appropriately insert a replacement battery.

Thus, a need exists for devices and methods for monitoring performancecharacteristics associated with user activities involving swinginginstruments that provides convenient access to and replacement of aninternal battery, while maintaining the battery in a secure housingduring use of the devices. These and other needs are addressed by thedevices and associated methods of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarydevices for attachment to a swinging instrument are provided thatgenerally include a cover, a base, a chassis, and positive and negativeelectrical contacts. The base includes a fastening portion and a supportportion. The chassis can support a printed circuit board. The devicesinclude a cap configured and dimensioned to mate relative to the supportportion of the base. The support portion of the base can support thechassis, the printed circuit board, the positive and negative electricalcontacts, and the cap. The cover can be configured and dimensioned todetachably interlock relative to the base to cover the chassis, theprinted circuit board, the positive and negative electrical contacts,and the cap. In the mated configuration, the cap and the base can form abattery opening, e.g., a side opening or slot, configured anddimensioned to receive therethrough a battery.

In some embodiments, the cover includes an inner circumferential flangeconfigured and dimensioned to snap over an edge of a bottom surface ofthe base to detachably interlock the cover to the base. In someembodiments, the cover and the base include complementary undulatingfeatures for detachably interlocking the cover to the base. In someembodiments, the devices include a retaining ring positioned within acircumferential groove in an inner surface of the cover to detachablyinterlock the cover and the base.

The cover includes a depressible button on a top surface for actuatingan actuator of the printed circuit board. The depressible button cantranslate a protrusion on an interior surface of the cover through anopening in the cap to actuate the actuator of the printed circuit board.The fastening portion includes a shaft with an external thread thereon.The support portion of the base includes first and second side openings.At least a portion of the first side opening can form the batteryopening. In the mated configuration, the cap and the base can form anopening configured and dimensioned to receive an instrument therethroughto eject the battery from the device. The support portion of the baseincludes two or more slots and the cap includes two or morecomplementary protrusions extending therefrom. The two or more slots andthe two or more complementary protrusions can be configured anddimensioned to mate relative to each other.

The chassis includes two electrical slots for receiving extensions ofthe negative electrical contact therethrough. The chassis includes arecessed portion on a bottom surface for receiving a body portion of thenegative electrical contact. The chassis includes a plurality of sideopenings or slots for receiving extensions of the positive electricalcontact therethrough. The positive electrical contact includes a body,first and second walls extending from the body, and extensions extendingfrom the first and second walls. The first wall and second walls of thepositive electrical contact can be asymmetrical. The negative electricalcontact includes a body, first and second walls extending from the body,and an extension extending from the first wall. The first and secondwalls of the negative electrical contact can be asymmetrical. In someembodiments, at least one of the cover, the base, the cap, and thechassis define an off-center, e.g., an egg-shaped, configuration. Insome embodiments, the curve and/or perimeter of the off-centerconfiguration can conform or be complementary to the asymmetric curve ofa grip of a putter.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of device assembly for attachment to a swinging instrument areprovided. The methods include assembling positive and negativeelectrical contacts with a chassis. The methods include positioning aprinted circuit board on the chassis to form a chassis assembly. Thechassis can support the printed circuit board thereon. The methodsinclude assembling the chassis assembly with a cap to form a capassembly. The methods further include mating the cap assembly with abase. The base can include a fastening portion and a support portion.The support portion can support the chassis, the printed circuit board,the positive and negative electrical contacts, and the cap. In the matedconfiguration, the cap assembly and the base can form a battery openingconfigured and dimensioned to receive therethrough a battery.

The methods include detachably interlocking a cover relative to the baseto cover the cap assembly. In some embodiments, the methods includepositioning a retaining ring within a circumferential groove in an innersurface of the cover to detachably interlock the cover relative to thebase.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings aredesigned as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limitsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosedmonitoring devices and associated methods, reference is made to theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a cover of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a cover of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a base of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a base of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a cap of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a cap of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a chassis of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a chassis of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a printed circuit board of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a positive electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a positive electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective of a positive electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a positive electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a side view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of a negative electrical contact ofan exemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a top view of a negative electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a side view of a negative electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a side view of a negative electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a side view of a negative electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a positive electrical contact and anegative electrical contact of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a side view of a positive electrical contact and a negativeelectrical contact of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a side view of a positive electrical contact and a negativeelectrical contact of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of an assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a bottom perspective view of an assembly including a chassis,a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a top view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a side view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 is a side view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a side view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is a top perspective view of a chassis assembly including achassis, a positive electrical, a negative electrical contact and aprinted circuit board of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 48 is a top perspective view of a cap assembly including a chassisassembly and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 49 is a bottom perspective view of a cap assembly including achassis assembly and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 50 is a top perspective view of a base and cap assembly including achassis assembly, a base and a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 51 is a side view of a base and cap assembly including a chassisassembly, a base and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 52 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 54 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 55 is a side view of an exemplary monitoring device according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 56 is a rear view of an exemplary monitoring device according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 57 is a top view of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of a cover of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 59 is a side view of a cover of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 60 is a front view of a cover of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 61 is a rear view of a cover of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 62 is a side cross-sectional view of a cover of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 63 is a top perspective view of a base of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 64 is a front view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 65 is a side view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 66 is a top view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 67 is a top perspective view of a cap of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 68 is a bottom perspective view of a cap of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 69 is a top view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 70 is a bottom view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 71 is a front view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 72 is a rear view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 73 is a side view of a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 74 is a top perspective view of a chassis of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 75 is a bottom perspective view of a chassis of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 76 is a top view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 77 is a bottom view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 78 is a rear view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 79 is a side view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 80 is a front view of a chassis of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of a positive electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 82 is a bottom perspective view of a positive electrical contact ofan exemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 83 is a top view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 84 is a bottom perspective view of a positive electrical contact ofan exemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 85 is a side view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 86 is a front view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 87 is a side view of a positive electrical contact of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 88 is a top perspective view of a positive electrical contact and anegative electrical contact of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 89 is a front view of a positive electrical contact and a negativeelectrical contact of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 90 is a top perspective view of a chassis assembly including achassis, a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contactof an exemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 91 is a bottom perspective view of a chassis assembly including achassis, a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contactof an exemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 92 is a top view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 93 is a bottom view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 94 is a side view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 95 is a front view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 96 is a side view of a chassis assembly including a chassis, apositive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of anexemplary monitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 97 is a top perspective view of a chassis assembly including achassis, a positive electrical contact, a negative electrical contactand a printed circuit board of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 98 is a top perspective view of a cap assembly including a chassisassembly and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 99 is a bottom perspective view of a cap assembly including achassis assembly and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 100 is a top perspective view of a base and cap assembly includinga chassis assembly, a base and a cap of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 101 is a side view of a base and cap assembly including a chassisassembly, a base and a cap of an exemplary monitoring device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 102 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 103 is a bottom perspective view of a cover of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 104 is a bottom view of a cover of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 105 is a bottom perspective view of a base of an exemplarymonitoring device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 106 is a bottom view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 107 is a top view of a base of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 108 is a top view of a retaining ring of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 109 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 110 is a bottom view of an exemplary monitoring device according tothe present disclosure; and

FIG. 111 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary monitoringdevice according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, perspective, side and top views of anexemplary embodiment of a device for monitoring and/or trackingperformance characteristics associated with user activities involvingswinging instruments 100 (hereinafter “device 100”) is provided. Aswinging instrument can be, for example, a golf club, a bat (e.g.,baseball, softball, cricket), a hockey stick (e.g., a field and/or icehockey stick), a racquet (e.g., a tennis, squash, racquet ball,badminton, ping pong, and/or any other type of racquet), a long handledmallet (e.g., a polo, croquet, and/or any other type of mallet), and/orany other suitable instrument that may be swung by a user during asporting activity, recreational activity, leisure activity, occupationalactivity, and the like.

As will be described in greater detail below, the device 100 can beconfigured to be secured to the instrument. The device 100 can include asensor module with a processing device therein for detecting an impactbetween a swinging instrument and an object. The processing device canbe programmed to determine whether an impact occurred between the objectand the instrument based on, e.g., electrical signals. The sensor modulecan transmit swing information to an electronic device associated withthe user, e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, and the like, whichcan display the swing information, process the swing information, and/ortransmit the swing information to a remote system.

In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module within the device 100 candetect when a user is preparing to swing a respective instrument, candetect when the instrument is being swung, and/or can detect when theinstrument strikes an object. The sensor module can use this informationto compute and/or identify performance characteristics associated withthe user's use of the instrument. The performance characteristicsrelated to the swing can be transmitted, directly or indirectly, to oneor more electronic devices associated with the user.

The one or more electronic devices can use the performancecharacteristics to monitor and/or track the user's performance and torender one or more graphical user interfaces to display the performancecharacteristics as well as other data maintained and/or received by theone or more electronic devices. For example, the one or more electronicdevices and/or a remote system associated with the one or moreelectronic devices can be programmed and/or configured to receive userperformance information and to process and/or analyze the performanceinformation to determine statistics regarding the user's performanceand/or provide an analysis regarding a user's mechanics (e.g., a swinganalysis). Some statistics and swing analysis information that can bedetermined by the remote system include a swing tempo, swing velocity,swing force, club face angle, swing plane, and/or impact force withwhich the instrument strikes or will strike an object, and/or any otherswing parameters as well as club consistency (e.g., variations in shotdistances), putting statistics (e.g., average putts per hole, 2−puttpercentage, 3+putt percentage, 1 putt per round, and the like),scrambling statistics (e.g., the golfer's ability to get par whenhitting the green in regulation is missed), sand saves (e.g., theability of a golfer to get par when the ball lands in a bunker during ahole), fairway hits (e.g., percentage of times a golfer hits the fairwaywhen the golf ball is hit from the tee), and the like.

Devices 100 can be secured to multiple instruments, e.g., multiple golfclubs. As the user plays a round of golf, the devices 100 and/or aremote system can monitor and/or track which golf clubs were used by thegolfer for which holes and shots, a distance the golf ball traveled foreach shot, a location of the user (e.g., with a global positioningsystem), holes that have been completed by the user, hole(s) that theuser still has to complete, a golf score of the user, and/or otherperformance information associated with the round of golf being playedby the user.

Still with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the device 100 includes a cover 102which acts as a housing and surrounds an internal assembly ofcomponents, and a base 104. The cover 102 can house sensor modulecircuitry that can be programmed and/or configured to perform one ormore operations, tasks, functions and/or processes described herein. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the cover 102 defines asubstantially cylindrical configuration including chamfered corners at atop surface. The cover 102 can snap onto the base 104 to maintain theinternal components in a weather-resistant and/or water-resistantmanner. In some embodiments, the cover 102 can include a depressiblebutton 106 formed on a top surface. For example, the button 106 can beformed in the cover 102 such that a user can depress the button 106relative to the top surface of the cover 102. As will be described ingreater detail below, depressing the button 106 can actuate electronicequipment within the cover 102. In some embodiments, the button 106 caninclude a logo formed thereon.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sectional and side views of an exemplary cover102. An outer surface 108 of the cover 102 can define a substantiallycylindrical configuration. In some embodiments, the outer surface 108can taper slightly in an outward direction from the top surface 110 tothe bottom surface 112. A diameter of the cover 102 at the top surface110 can therefore be dimensioned smaller than a diameter of the cover102 at the bottom surface 112. The cover 102 further includes achamfered edge 114 around the circumference of the top surface 110.

As can be seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the cover 102includes a hollow interior portion 116, e.g., a cavity. The interiorportion 116 can be configured and dimensioned to house thereinelectrical and non-electrical components of the device 100. The cover102 includes a substantially uniform wall thickness along the majorityof the cover 102, except for a central protrusion 118 and acircumferential flange 120, e.g., a circumferential lip. In particular,the central protrusion 118 extends from an inner surface of the topsurface 110 of the cover 102 in the direction of the bottom surface 112along a central vertical axis A₁. The central protrusion 118 can bealigned with the button 106 such that depression of the button 106 cantranslate the central protrusion 118 along the central vertical axis A₁.In some embodiments, the cover 102 can be fabricated from a flexiblematerial, e.g., a rubber, to allow such flexibility of the top surface110.

The circumferential flange 120 can extend or protrude from an innersurface of the cover 102 in the direction of the central vertical orlongitudinal axis A₁ and can be positioned offset from the bottomsurface 112 of the cover 102. The flange 120 extends along the entireinner circumference of the cover 102. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, the flange 120 can be configured and dimensioned to snapinto a complementary groove located on the base 104 such that the cover102 can releasably interlock with the base 104 to create the secureinner environment, e.g., a water-resistant environment.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, perspective, side and top views of anexemplary base 104 are provided. The base 104 includes a support portion122 and a fastening portion 124 integrally formed relative to eachother. The support portion 122 can define a substantially circularconfiguration. The fastening portion 124 can be centered relative to thesupport portion 122 and extends from a bottom surface 126 of the supportportion 122 along a central vertical or longitudinal axis A₂. Thefastening portion 124 can be configured to releasably affix the device100 to an instrument, e.g., to a butt end of a grip portion of theinstrument, and the like. The fastening portion 124 can include a shaft128 having an external thread 130 that can be used to threadingly engagea complementary opening in an instrument.

As shown in FIG. 9, the shaft 128 can extend along the central verticalaxis A₂ from a proximal end 132 at the bottom surface 126 of the supportportion 122 to a distal end 134 defining a length 136 of the fasteningportion 124. In some embodiments, the shaft 128 can have a length ofapproximately 10 mm to approximately 23 mm. The proximal end 132 can beintegrally formed to the bottom surface 126 of the support portion 122.An outer surface 138 of the shaft 128 can have a diameter D₁ at theproximal end 132 and a diameter D₂ at the distal end 134 of the shaft128. The diameters D₁ and D₂ can be measured perpendicularly to thecentral vertical axis A₂ and between opposing portions of the outersurface 138. The diameter D₁ is larger than the diameter D₂. Forexample, in some embodiments, the diameter D₁ can be 1.5 to 3 timeslarger than the diameter D₂. In some embodiments, the diameter D₁ can beapproximately 4.5 mm and the diameter D₂ can be approximately 2 mm. Theshaft 128 can have a generally conical configuration for which the outersurface 138 of the shaft 128 generally tapers inwardly along the centralvertical axis A₂ from the proximal end 132 to the distal end 134. Theouter surface 138 of the shaft 128 can terminate at the distal end 134to form a flat edge 140. In some embodiments, the distal end 134 canform a rounded edge.

The external thread 130 can be disposed circumferentially about theouter surface 138 of the shaft 128 along the central vertical axis A₂ toform a helical or spiral ridge around the shaft 128. The external thread130 can have a trapezoidal thread form (e.g., the thread 130 can have atrapezoidal cross-sectional shape) or a triangular thread form (e.g.,the thread 130 can have a triangular cross-sectional shape) and cangenerally extend radially outward from the outer surface 138 of theshaft 128 from a root 142 of the thread 130 to a crest 144 of the thread130. A thread depth D_(T) can be measured perpendicularly to the centralvertical axis A₂ (e.g., along a radial axis of the shaft 128) from theroot 142 to the crest 144. In some embodiments, the thread depth D_(T)can be approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. In some embodiments,the diameters D₁ and D₂ and the depth D_(T) can be dimensioned such that(D₁+D₂)*D_(T) can equal approximately 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, thethread depth D_(T) can be greatest at the proximal end 132 and cangradually decrease as the threads 130 progress in the direction of thedistal end 134. A root pitch P_(R) of the thread 130 can be a distancebetween adjacent portions of the root 142 of the thread 130 measuredalong the central vertical axis A₂. In some embodiments, the root pitchP_(R) can be approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2.5 mm.

The fastening portion 124 can advantageously provide pull-out resistanceof greater than, e.g., approximately 10 N of force, approximately 25 Nof force, and the like. The pull-out resistance can be the forcerequired to pull the device 100 out of an end portion of the grip of agolf club or an alternative swinging instrument. The pull-out resistanceof the fastening portion 124 can be determined based on the diameters D₁and D₂ of the fastening portion 124, the root pitch P_(R) of thefastening portion 124 and/or the thread depth D_(T) of the fasteningportion 124. As one example, the fastening portion 124 canadvantageously deform the rubber grip of a golf club to radiallypre-stress the rubber grip to increase the density of the rubber at thebottom of the thread 130 such that the rubber at the bottom of thethread 130 is less likely to be prone to deformation induced by axialcompression force, thereby increasing the radial resistance. In someembodiments, the diameter of the end of the grip of a golf club can bebetween approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm. In some embodiments,the diameter D₁ of the fastening portion 124 can be approximately 4.5mm. In some embodiments, the diameter D₂ of the fastening portion 124can be approximately 2 mm. As another example, a root pitch P_(R) ofapproximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2.5 mm can be used toadvantageously improve the resistance of the rubber grip at the root 142of the thread 130 such that the rubber grip resists deformation. As yetanother example, a thread depth D_(T) of approximately 1.5 mm toapproximately 2 mm can be used to advantageously increase the forcerequired to deform the rubber grip beyond the crest 144 of the thread130 on the fastening device 124.

The support portion 122 of the base 104 includes a first wall 146 and asecond wall 148 circumferentially extending from a support surface 150in a direction parallel to the central vertical axis A₂. The first andsecond walls 146, 148 can be positioned at opposing sides of the supportsurface 150 and can form a first side opening 152 and a second sideopening 154 located between the first and second walls 146, 148. Thecircumferential distance of the first side opening 152 between the firstand second walls 146, 148 can be dimensioned greater than thecircumferential distance of the second side opening 154. In someembodiments, the second side opening 154 can define a U-shapedconfiguration. In particular, the support surface 150 and the first andsecond walls 146, 148 can define an interior space 156 configured anddimensioned to house internal components, e.g., a battery, electricalcontacts, a printed circuit board, support structures, and the like,which will be discussed in greater detail below. The interior space 156can be fully enclosed at the support surface 150, partially enclosedalong the side surfaces and fully open at the top surface. Thecircumferential distance of the first side opening 152 can bedimensioned to permit a battery, e.g., a button or coil cell battery, tobe slid into the interior space 156 through the first side opening 152without interference from the first and second walls 146, 148. Thecircumferential distance of the second side opening 154 can bedimensioned to permit insertion of a narrow instrument or device, e.g.,a golf peg, a screwdriver, a key, and the like, through the second sideopening 154 to push the battery out of the interior space 156 throughthe first side opening 152.

In some embodiments, the base 104 can include a circumferential lip 158between the first and second walls 146, 148 extending from the supportsurface 150 in a direction parallel to the central vertical axis A₂. Thelip 158 can be dimensioned to assist in retaining internal componentswithin the interior space 156 of the support portion 122. In someembodiments, the lip 158 can include a positive mark 159, e.g., a “+”,formed thereon to provide a user with a label for the proper orientationof the battery during insertion of the battery into the device 100. Insome embodiments, the support surface 150 can include one or morehorizontal inner ribs 160 extending and/or crossing relative to eachother between the first and second walls 146, 148 and the lip 158. Theinner ribs 160 can extend in directions perpendicular to the centralvertical axis A₂. The inner ribs 160 can provide additional strength orrigidity to the structure of the base 104. For example, the inner ribs160 can increase the amount of torque which can be applied to the base104 for attachment of the fastening portion 124 to an instrument.

Each of the first and second walls 146, 148 can include a slot 162, 164extending a partial distance from the top surface 166 in the directionof the support surface 150 in a direction parallel to the centralvertical axis A₂. Each of the first and second walls 146, 148 canfurther include an interior vertical rib 168, 170 aligned with andpositioned below the slots 162, 164. The slots 162, 164 and the verticalribs 168, 170 can provide a space configured and dimensioned to receivecomplementary extensions from a cap (which will be discussed below) suchthat the base 104 and the cap can interlock to maintain the internalcomponents therein.

With reference to FIGS. 11-15, perspective, top, bottom and side viewsof an exemplary cap 172 are provided. The cap 172 defines a circularconfiguration and can be configured and dimensioned to interlock or matewith the support portion 122 of the base 104. The cap 172 includes anouter surface 174, e.g., a top surface, and an interior surface 176.Although the outer surface 174 is illustrated as curved, in someembodiments, the outer surface 174 can be planar. The cap 172 includesan opening 178, e.g., a circular opening, extending through the cap 172along a central vertical axis A₃. In an assembled configuration, thecentral protrusion 118 of the cover 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) can bepositioned immediately above the cap 172 such that depression of thebutton 106 translates the central protrusion 118 at least partially intothe opening 178 along the central vertical axis A₃.

The cap 172 includes a first wall 180 and a second wall 182circumferentially extending from the interior surface 176 along aportion of the circumference of the cap 172 in a direction parallel tothe central vertical axis A₃. In particular, the first and second walls180, 182 can extend from the interior surface 176 to a bottom surface184 of the cap 172. The first and second walls 180, 182 can bepositioned on opposing sides of the cap 172. The circumferentialdistance of the first wall 180 can be dimensioned greater than thecircumferential distance of the second wall 182. In particular, thecircumferential distance of the first wall 180 can be dimensionedcomplementary to the first side opening 152 of the support portion 122of the base 104, and the circumferential distance of the second wall 182can be dimensioned complementary to the second side opening 154 of thesupport portion 122 of the base 104. The cap 172 further includes first,second and third protrusions 186, 188, 190 extending from the interiorsurface 176 in a direction parallel to the central vertical axis A₃. Thefirst, second and third protrusions 186, 188, 190 can extend a partialdistance between the interior surface 176 and the bottom surface 184 ofthe cap 172, e.g., approximately half of the distance of the first andsecond walls 180, 182. The first and second protrusions 186, 188 can bepositioned on opposing sides of the cap 172 and the third protrusion 190can be radially offset from the first protrusion 186. In particular, thethird protrusion 190 can be positioned closer to the first protrusion186 along a radial distance between the first and second protrusions186, 188.

The first and second walls 180, 182, and the first, second and thirdprotrusions 186, 188, 190 can thereby form first, second, third andfourth side openings 185, 187, 189, 191. In particular, the first sideopening 185 can be formed between the first wall 180 and the firstprotrusion 186, the second side opening 187 can be formed between thefirst protrusion 186 and the third protrusion 190, the third sideopening 189 can be formed between the second wall 182 and the secondprotrusion 188, and the fourth side opening 191 can be formed betweenthe second protrusion 188 and the first wall 180.

In some embodiments, the cap 172 can include first and second slots 192,194 extending through the cap 172 in a direction parallel to the centralvertical axis A₃. The position of first and second slots 192, 194 can bealigned with the first and second walls 180, 182 such that the first andsecond slots 192, 194 pass into the interior space 196 of the cap 172adjacent to the interior surface 176. In some embodiments, the cap 172can include a third slot 198 positioned adjacent to and radially offsetfrom the first slot 192. In some embodiments, the third slot 198 can actas a negative mark, e.g., a “−”, which provides a user with a label forthe proper orientation of the battery during insertion of the batteryinto the device 100. For example, the third slot 198 can correspond tothe positive mark 159 on the base 104 such that a user can properlyorient the positive and negative sides of the battery prior to insertionof the battery into the device 100. In some embodiments, the second wall182 can include a latch 200, e.g., an undercut snap, extendingperpendicularly from the second wall 182 in the direction of the centralvertical axis A₃. The latch 200 can assist in retaining at least one ofthe internal components, e.g., a chassis, to be positioned within theinterior space 196. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 can includea complementary and opposing latch 200 extending therefrom in thedirection of the central vertical axis A₃ to further assist in retainingat least one of the internal components to be positioned within theinterior space 196. In some embodiments, the first and second slots 192,194 can be used during fabrication of the cap 172 to allow aninjection-molding tool to pass through the cap 172 and form the latches200.

In some embodiments, the cap 172 can include interior ribs 202 extendingfrom the interior surface 176. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12and 14, the ribs 202 can extend radially outward from the opening 178 atleast partially in the direction of the first and second walls 180, 182,the first, second and third protrusions 186, 188, 190, and/or acircumferential lip 204 circumferentially extending from the interiorsurface 176 between the first and second walls 180, 182 and the first,second and third protrusions 186, 188, 190. In some embodiments, thecircumferential lip 204 can be offset from the outer surface 174 of thecap 172 to permit mating with the support portion 122 of the base 104.

In particular, the first and second walls 180, 182, the first, secondand third protrusions 186, 188, 190, the first, second, third, andfourth side openings 185, 187, 189, 191, and the circumferential lip 204can be configured and dimensioned to mate relative to the complementaryfirst and second walls 146, 148, the first and second slots 162, 164,and the first and second side opening 152, 154 of the support portion122 of the base 104. Thus, the radial positioning of the walls,protrusions, openings and/or lips of the base 104 and the cap 172 can bedetermined to permit mating between the base 104 and the cap 172. Forexample, the cap 172 can be mated to the base 104 by aligning andinserting the first protrusion 186 into the first slot 162, the thirdprotrusion 190 and the second wall 182 into the second side opening 154,the second protrusion 188 into the second slot 164, and the first wall180 into the first side opening 152 (see, e.g., FIGS. 50-52). In anassembled configuration, the circumferential lip 204 of the cap 172 canbe positioned against an inside portion of the first and second walls146, 148 of the base 104 to prevent movement of the cap 172 relative tothe base 104. Mating of the cap 172 relative to the base 104 canmaintain a portion of the first and second side openings 152, 154exposed to allow insertion of the batter through the first side opening152 and insertion of an instrument or device through the second sideopening 154 to remove the battery.

With reference to FIGS. 16-20, perspective, top, bottom and side viewsof an exemplary chassis 206 are provided. The chassis 206 can beconfigured and dimensioned to retain and/or support a printed circuitboard therein. The chassis 206 defines a substantially circularconfiguration and includes a top surface 208 and a bottom surface 210.The chassis 206 includes first, second, third and fourth walls 212, 214,216, 218 extending circumferentially from the top surface 208 in adirection parallel to the central vertical axis A₄. The first, second,third and fourth walls 212, 214, 216, 218 can form an interior space 220therebetween for housing and/or supporting a printed circuit board. Thecircumferential distance of the first wall 212 can be dimensionedgreater than the circumferential distance of the second, third andfourth walls 214, 216, 218. In some embodiments, the circumferentialdistance of the second and third walls 214, 216 can be dimensionedsubstantially similarly. In some embodiments, the circumferentialdistance of the second wall 214 can be dimensioned greater than thecircumferential distance of the third wall 216. The circumferentialdistance of the second and third walls 214, 216 can be dimensionedgreater than the circumferential distance of the fourth wall 218.

The first, second, third and fourth walls 212, 214, 216, 218 can formfirst, second, third and fourth side openings 222, 224, 226, 228therebetween. In particular, the first side opening 222 can be formedbetween the first and second walls 212, 214, the second side opening 224can be formed between the second and third walls 214, 216, the thirdside opening 226 can be formed between the third and fourth walls 216,218, and the fourth side opening 228 can be formed between the first andfourth walls 212, 218. In some embodiments, the chassis 206 can includeone or more slots 230 in the second and third walls 214, 216. As will bediscussed in greater detail below, the slots 230 can receive extensionsfrom a positive electrical contact. In some embodiments, the slots 230can provide a passage for air circulation and/or heat dissipation fromthe printed circuit board positioned in the interior space 220. Thus,the slots 230 can allow cool air to pass therethrough to cool theprinted circuit board and/or can allow heat to escape from the printedcircuit board through the slots 230 to prevent overheating of theprinted circuit board during use of the device 100.

It should be understood that the first, second, third and fourth walls212, 214, 216, 218 and the first, second, third and fourth side openings222, 224, 226, 228 can be radially positioned such that the chassis 206can mate and/or releasably interlock relative to the cap 172. Inparticular, after a printed circuit board has been positioned or fittedinto the interior space 220, the chassis 206 can be fitted into theinterior space 196 of the cap 172. For example, the cap 172 and thechassis 206 can be mated by aligning and inserting the first protrusion186 into the first side opening 222, the second protrusion 188 into thefourth side opening 228, and the third protrusion 190 into the secondside opening 224. In some embodiments, the chassis 206 can include firstand second slots 232, 234 formed on the bottom surface 210 and alignedwith the first and third walls 212, 216. In particular, the first andsecond slots 232, 234 can pass through the chassis 206 and can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive therein the latches 200 of the cap172. For example, when the chassis 206 is inserted into the interiorspace 196 of the cap 172, the latches 200 can snap into the respectivefirst and second slots 232, 234 to detachably secure the chassis 206relative to the cap 172. In particular, inserting the chassis 206 intothe interior space 196 of the cap 172 can initially cause the first andsecond walls 180, 182 to partially bend outward away from the centralvertical axis A₃ until the chassis 206 has been fully positioned withinthe interior space 196. Once the chassis 206 has been fully positionedwithin the interior space 196, the first and second walls 180, 182 canspring back in the direction of the central vertical axis A₃, therebypositioning the latches 200 in the first and second slots 232, 234.

The bottom surface 210 of the chassis 206 can include a rectangularrecess 236 formed therein. As will be described in greater detail below,the recess 236 can be configured and dimensioned to mate with a negativeelectrical contact. The recess 236 can be formed between the first andfourth side openings 222, 228, and between the central vertical axis A₄and the first slot 232. Thus, the recess 236 can be offset from thecenter of the chassis 206 and can be positioned closer to the first slot232 than the second slot 234. The recess 236 can include a deep recess238 and an angled recess 240. As can be seen from FIGS. 17 and 19, theangled recess 240 can expend a partial distance from the centralvertical axis A₄ in the direction of the first slot 232 and cangradually progress to the depth of the deep recess 238. The deep recess238 can define a substantially uniform depth. The deep recess 238further includes first and second electrical slots 242, 244 on opposingends of the deep recess 238 which pass through the chassis 206. As willbe described below, extensions of a negative electrical contact can bepassed through the first and second electrical slots 242, 244 such thatat least a portion of the extensions passes through the chassis 206 andout of the first and second electrical slots 242, 244 on the top surface208. The extensions of the negative electrical contact can further beelectrically coupled to the printed circuit board positioned within theinterior space 220 of the chassis 206. The deep recess 238 can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the negativeelectrical contact.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of an exemplary printed circuit board (PCB)246. The PCB 246 can define a substantially circular configuration. Insome embodiments, the PCB 246 can include first, second and thirdnotches 248, 250, 252 circumferentially positioned around the PCB 246.For example, the first and third notches 248, 252 can be positioned onopposing sides of the PCB 246 and the circumferential distance betweenthe second and third notches 250, 252 can be greater than thecircumferential distance between the first and second notches 248, 250.In particular, the first, second and third notches 248, 250, 252 can beradially positioned such that the PCB 246 can mate with the first,second and third projections 186, 188, 190 of the cap 172. In addition,the PCB 246 can include first and second holes 251, 253 positioned onopposing sides of the PCB 246. The first and second holes 251, 253 canbe configured and dimensioned to receive electrical contact extensionsto create an electrical contact with a battery.

For example, during assembly, the PCB 246 can be positioned into orabove the interior space 220 of the chassis 206 such that the firstnotch 248 aligns with the first side opening 222, the second notch 250aligns with the second opening 224, and the third notch 252 aligns withthe fourth opening 228. Thus, when the chassis 206 is mated with theinterior space 196 of the cap 172, the first protrusion 186 can alignand be positioned adjacent to the first notch 248, the second protrusion188 can align and be positioned adjacent to the third notch 252, and thethird protrusion 190 can align and be positioned adjacent to the secondnotch 250. In addition, during assembly, the first and second holes 251,253 of the PCB 246 can be aligned with third side opening 226 and aportion of the second electrical slot 244, respectively. The properorientation of the PCB 246 can thereby be maintained relative to thechassis 206 and the cap 172.

With reference to FIGS. 22-29, perspective, top, bottom, rear, front andside views of an exemplary positive electrical contact 254 are provided.The positive electrical contact 254 can be fabricated from a metal orother conductive material to provide the necessary electrical contactfor a battery. The positive electrical contact 254 includes a planarbody 256 defining a substantially rectangular configuration with twobeveled corners 258, 260. The first beveled corner 258 includes a firstwall 262 and the second beveled corner 260 includes a second wall 264extending perpendicularly relative to the body 256.

The first wall 262 can define a body portion 266, e.g., a substantiallyrectangular body portion, and first and second extensions 268, 270extending therefrom. The first and second extensions 268, 270 can extendfrom the body portion 266 in a direction parallel to the first wall 262,e.g., perpendicular to the body 256. The first extension 268 can beshorter in length than the second extension 270. In some embodiments,the first extension 268 can be wider in width than the second extension270. Similarly, the second wall 264 can define a body portion 272, e.g.,a substantially rectangular body portion, and first and secondextensions 274, 276. The first and second extensions 274, 276 can extendfrom the body portion 272 in a direction parallel to the second wall264, e.g., perpendicular to the body 256. The first and secondextensions 274, 276 can be dimensioned to have substantially equallengths and widths. Thus, the first and second extensions 268, 270 ofthe first wall 262 can be asymmetrical relative to each other, while thefirst and second extensions 274, 276 of the second wall 264 can besymmetrical relative to each other. Similarly, the first and secondwalls 262, 264 can be asymmetrical relative to each other. As will bediscussed below, the asymmetrical configuration of the first and secondwalls 262, 264 can assist in guiding assembly of the components of thedevice 100.

The body 256 of the positive electrical contact 254 can include firstand second keyhole-shaped cutouts 278, 280, each including a circularcutout portion 282, 284 and a rectangular cutout portion 286, 288extending therefrom. The body 256 further includes first and secondbattery contacts 290, 292, e.g., conductors. The first and secondbattery contacts 290, 292 can connect to the body 256 at an endpoint ofthe respective rectangular cutout portions 286, 288 and can extend overthe circular cutout portions 282, 284. In particular, the first andsecond battery contacts 290, 292 can include an angled portion 294, 296connected to the body 256 and extending upwards away from the body 256(e.g., upward relative to a plane defined by the body 256), and furtherinclude a planar portion 298, 300 extending from the angled portion 294,296 in a direction parallel to the surface of the body 256. Thus, theangled portions 294, 296 can extend over and be aligned with therectangular cutout portions 286, 288, and the planar portions 298, 300can extend over the circular cutout portions 282, 284. It should beunderstood that the angled portions 294, 296 can provide a spring-likeretaining force against a battery to ensure a continuous electricalcontact, while the planar portions 298, 300 can provide a planar contactsurface against the battery. Thus, as will be described in greaterdetail below, during assembly, a battery can be inserted into theinterior portion 302 defined by the first and second walls 262, 264 andthe body 256, and a bottom surface 304 of the positive electricalcontact 254 can be positioned within the base interior space 156 of thebase 104.

With reference to FIGS. 30-36, perspective, top, bottom, side and frontviews of an exemplary negative electrical contact 306 are provided. Thenegative electrical contact 306 can be fabricated from a metal or otherconductive material to provide the necessary electrical contact for abattery. The negative electrical contact 306 can include a planar body308, e.g., a rectangular body portion, with first and second walls 310,312 extending from the body 308 on opposing sides of the body 308. Inparticular, the first and second walls 310, 312 can extend from the body308 in a direction perpendicular relative to the body 308.

The first wall 310 can define a body portion 314, e.g., a substantiallyrectangular body portion, and includes an extension 316 extendingtherefrom. The extension 316 can extend in a direction parallel to thefirst wall 310, e.g., perpendicular to the body portion 314. Theextension 316 can be aligned with a rear wall 318 of the negativeelectrical contact 306. The second wall 312 can define a body portion320, e.g., a substantially rectangular body portion, and does notgenerally include an extension. Thus, the first wall 310 can define anasymmetrical configuration and the second wall 312 can define asymmetrical configuration. Similarly, the first and second walls 310,312 can be asymmetrical relative to each other. As will be discussedbelow, the asymmetrical configuration can guide assembly of thecomponents of the device 100.

The negative electrical contact 306 includes a battery contact 322,e.g., a conductor, extending from the body 308. In particular, thebattery contact 322 can extend from a position centrally located betweenthe first and second walls 310, 312. The battery contact 322 includes anangled portion 324 and a planar portion 326. The angled portion 324 canconnect to and extend from the body 308 in a downward direction relativeto a plane defined by the planar body 308. The planar portion 326 canextend from a distal end of the angled portion 324 in a directionparallel to the body 308. It should be understood that the angledportion 324 can provide a spring-like retaining force against a batteryto ensure a continuous electrical contact, while the planar portion 326can provide a planar contact surface against the battery. It should beunderstood that the angled and planar portions 324, 326 of the negativeelectrical contact 306 can be configured and dimensioned substantiallysimilarly to the angled and planar portions 294, 296, 298, 300 of thepositive electrical contact 254 such that a battery can be insertedbetween the positive and negative electrical contacts 254, 306 and anelectrical connection can be maintained therebetween.

With reference to FIGS. 37-39, perspective, side and front views of thepositive and negative electrical contacts 254, 306 are provided. Inparticular, FIGS. 37-39 illustrate the positioning of the positive andnegative electrical contacts 254, 306 relative to each other duringassembly. The positive and negative electrical contacts 254, 306 can bepositioned in a spaced relation such that an inner passage 328 defininga height 330 is formed therebetween. The height 330 can be dimensionedsuch that a battery can be received within the inner passage 328. Theplanar portions 298, 300, 326 of the positive and negative electricalcontacts 254, 306 can be aligned during assembly to provide anelectrical contact against opposing surfaces of the battery. Asdiscussed above, the angled portions 294, 296, 324 of the positive andnegative electrical contacts 254, 306 provide a retaining force againstthe battery to ensure that an electrical connection is maintained whilethe battery is within the inner passage 328.

FIGS. 40-46 show perspective, top, front, side and bottom views of anexemplary chassis assembly 332 including a chassis 206, a positiveelectrical contact 254 and a negative electrical contact 306. Inparticular, the negative electrical contact 306 can be assembled withthe chassis 206 by aligning and inserting the body portion 310 and theextension 316 of the negative electrical contact 306 into and throughthe second electrical slot 244 of the chassis 206, and aligning andinserting the body portion 314 of the negative electrical contact 306into and through the first electrical slot 242 of the chassis 206. Thebody 308 of the negative electrical contact 306 can further be receivedby the deep recess 238 on the bottom surface 210 of the chassis 206. Insome embodiments, the body portions 314, 320 can extend through thesecond and first electrical slots 244, 242 up to the top surface 208 ofthe chassis 206, while the extension 316 passes through the secondelectrical slot 244 and extends in a direction parallel to the centralvertical axis A₄ out of the second electrical slot 244 and away from thetop surface 208.

The positive electrical contact 254 can be assembled with the chassis206 by aligning and inserting the first and second extensions 268, 270of the positive electrical contact 254 into and at least partiallythrough the slot 230 in the third wall 216 and the third side opening226, respectively, of the chassis 206. Similarly, the first and secondextensions 274, 276 of the positive electrical contact 254 can bealigned and at least partially inserted into the respective slots 230 inthe second wall 214 of the chassis 206. In some embodiments, the firstextension 268 of the first wall 262 and the first and second extensions274, 276 of the second wall 264 of the positive electrical contact 254can extend through the slots 230 up to the top surface 208 of thechassis 206, while the second extension 270 passes through the thirdside opening 226 and extends in a direction parallel to the centralvertical axis A₄ out of the third side opening 226 and away from the topsurface 208. In particular, in an assembled configuration, the secondextension 270 of the positive electrical contact 254 and the extension316 of the negative electrical contact 306 can extend through thechassis 206 on substantially opposing sides thereof. It should beunderstood that during assembly of the positive electrical contact 254with the chassis 206, the body portions 266, 272 of the first and secondwalls 262, 264 can abut against the bottom surface 210 of the chassis206 such that the inner passage 328 for receiving a battery between thepositive and negative electrical contacts 254, 306 is maintained.

FIG. 47 shows a top perspective view of a chassis assembly 332 includinga PCB 246. In particular, the asymmetrical positioning of the secondextension 270 of the positive electrical contact 254 and the extension316 of the negative electrical contact 306 can assist in guidinginsertion and proper contact of the PCB 246 relative to the chassis 206during assembly. For example, the first hole 251 of the PCB 246 can bealigned with the second extension 270 and the second extension 270 canbe passed through the first hole 251 until the PCB 246 is positionedwithin or above the interior space 220 of the chassis 206.Simultaneously, the second hole 253 of the PCB 246 can be aligned withthe extension 316 and the extension 316 can be passed through the secondhole 253. For example, rather than being position within the interiorspace 220 of the chassis 206, the PCB 246 can be supported by a topsurface of the first, second, third and fourth walls 212, 214, 216, 218of the chassis 206. In some embodiments, the second extension 270 andthe extension 316 can be soldered to the PCB 246. As can be seen fromFIG. 47, in an assembled configuration, the first notch 248 of the PCB246 can be aligned with the first side opening 222 of the chassis 206,the second notch 250 of the PCB 246 can be aligned with the second sideopening 224 of the chassis 206, and the third notch 252 of the PCB 246can be aligned with the fourth side opening 228 of the chassis 206. Thisalignment of the PCB 246 and the chassis 206 creates slots which canmate with components of the cap 172.

In some embodiments, the PCB 246 can include an actuator 334, e.g., abutton, electrically connected and centrally positioned thereon. Forexample, the actuator 334 can be soldered onto an exposed surface of thePCB 246 such that the actuator 334 extends upwards and away from thechassis assembly 332. In some embodiments, the actuator 334 can includea depressible button 336. Actuation of the actuator 334 by depressingand/or holding the button 336 can, e.g., turn the device 100 on or off,start or stop preprogrammed actions, initiate Bluetooth pairing withanother device, and the like. For example, depression of the button 106of the cover 106 can actuate the central protrusion 118 to translatethrough the opening 178 of the cap 172 such that the central protrusion118 can depress the button 336 of the PCB 246.

With reference to FIGS. 48 and 49, perspective views of an exemplary capassembly 338 are provided. In particular, the cap assembly 338 includesa chassis assembly 332, a PCB 246 and a cap 172. As discussed above, theprotrusions and side openings of the cap 172 and the chassis assembly332 can mate in the assembled configuration. For example, FIGS. 48 and49 show the first protrusion 186 of the cap 172 aligned with andinserted through the first side opening 222 of the chassis 206. Itshould be understood that the second and third protrusions 188, 190 canbe similarly aligned with and inserted through the fourth and secondside openings 228, 224, respectively. In addition, in the assembledconfiguration, the actuator 334 of the PCB 246 can be centered relativeto the opening 178 of the cap 172. Thus, except for the exposed actuator334, the PCB 246 can be enclosed by the chassis 206 and the cap 172.

FIGS. 50 and 51 show perspective and side views of an exemplary base andcap assembly 340. In particular, the base and cap assembly 340 includesa cap 172, a chassis assembly 332, a PCB 246 and a base 104. Asdiscussed above, the protrusions and slots of the cap 172 and the base104 can mate in the assembled configuration. For example, FIG. 50 showsthe first protrusion 186 of the cap 172 aligned and mated with the firstslot 162 of the base 104. It should be understood that the second andthird protrusions 188, 190 can be similarly aligned and mated with thesecond slot 164 and a portion of the second side opening 154,respectively. In some embodiments, the base 104 can be fixedly securedto the cap assembly 338 such that the base 104 and the cap assembly 338cannot be separated from each other. For example, the base 104 can beultrasonically welded and/or snapped to the cap assembly 338. Theinternal components of the cap assembly 338 can thereby be protectedfrom exposure and/or undesired disassembly. In addition, it should beunderstood that during assembly, the positive electrical contact 254 canbe positioned against or adjacent to the support surface 150 of the base104.

As can be seen in FIG. 51, in the assembled configuration, the innerpassage 328 between the positive and negative electrical contacts 254,306 can be maintained and exposed through a portion of the first sideopening 152 in the base 104. Further, in the assembled configuration, aportion of the second side opening 154 in the base 104 can extend intothe inner passage 328 on an opposing side of the base and cap assembly340 relative to the first side opening 152. Thus, a battery can be slidor inserted into the inner passage 328 and pushed into the inner passage328 until the battery is fully positioned within the base and capassembly 340. For replacement of the battery, an instrument or device,e.g., a golf tee, can be passed through the second side opening 154 topush or eject the battery from the first side opening 152 and out of theinner passage 328.

FIG. 52 shows a side cross-sectional view of the device 100 in anassembled configuration. In particular, the device 100 includes thecover 102, the base 104, the cap 172, the chassis 206, the positiveelectrical contact 254, the negative electrical contact 306, and the PCB246. As can been seen in FIG. 52, the PCB 246 can be positioned on topof and be supported by the top surface of the first, second, third andfourth walls 212, 214, 216, 218 of the chassis 206. The cover 102 can beassembled relative to the base and cap assembly 340 by at leastpartially positioning the base and cap assembly 340 into the interiorportion 116 of the cover 102 and providing an upward force on the baseand cap assembly 340 (and/or a downward force on the cover 102) in thedirection of the central vertical axis A₁ to snap the circumferentialflange 120 of the cover 102 over the edge of the bottom surface 126 ofthe base 104. In some embodiments, the cover 102 can be fabricated froma resilient yet flexible material such that the cover 102 can flexslightly to snap over the edge of the bottom surface 126 of the base104. The cover 102 can thereby be releasably interlocked relative to thebase and cap assembly 340 to maintain the components of the cap assembly338 in a weather and/or water-resistant environment. In someembodiments, the cover 102 can be prevented from rotating relative tothe cap assembly 338 due to friction between the cover 102 and the capassembly 338. It should be understood that in order to insert and/orchange a battery, the cover 102 can be pulled off the base and capassembly 340 to expose the inner passage 328 between the positive andnegative electrical contacts 254, 306. Thus, the exemplary device 100monitors performance characteristics associated with user activitiesinvolving a swinging instrument, maintains the battery in a securehousing during use of the device 100, and provides convenient access tothe battery for replacement and/or insertion.

Turning now to FIGS. 53-102, an alternative exemplary embodiment of adevice for monitoring and/or tracking performance characteristicsassociated with user activities involving swinging instruments 400(hereinafter “device 400”) is provided. It should be understood that thedevice 400 can be substantially similar in structure and function to thedevice 100 of FIGS. 1-52, except for the distinctions noted herein.Thus, like structural elements are marked with like referencecharacters. In particular, the one distinction between the device 400and the device 100 is that the components define a non-circular, anoff-center or an egg-shaped configuration rather than the circularconfiguration of the device 100. In some embodiments, the device 100 canbe used for an iron golf club and the device 400 can be used for aputter golf club. The difference in configurations can provide a visualdistinction to a user such that a user can continuously select theappropriate device 100, 400 for a particular golf club. In someembodiments, the off-center configuration of the device 400 canaccommodate different firmware to detect shots of a different severityfor a putter. In some embodiments, the off-center configuration of thedevice 400 can conform to the off-center configuration of the end of aputter grip.

With reference to FIGS. 53-57, perspective, side and rear views of thedevice 400 are provided. The device 400 includes a cover 402 and a base404. The cover 402 can protect the internal components of the device 400by housing the internal components in a weather and/or water-resistantenvironment within the cover 402. With reference to FIGS. 58-62,perspective, side, front, rear and cross-sectional views of the cover402 are provided. The cover 402 can define a substantially egg-shapedconfiguration. Thus, rather than defining a circular configuration(e.g., the cover 102), the cover 402 includes an off-center extension406 which extends away from a vertical axis A₅. The vertical axis A₅ canbe centered relative to the circular portion of the cover 402, therebybeing positioned closer to the rear 408 of the cover 402 than the front410 of the cover 402. The bottom surface 112 of the cover 402 can extendalong one plane along a portion of the bottom surface 112 and can beangled in a downward direction at the front 410 of the cover. Forexample, the bottom surface 112 can include a curved extension 412 in adownward direction away from the circumferential flange 120.

With reference to FIGS. 63-66, perspective, front, side and top views ofan exemplary base 404 are provided. The base 404 includes a supportportion 414 and a fastening portion 124. The support portion 414 candefine a substantially egg-shaped configuration complementary to thecover 402. The fastening portion 124 can be aligned with a vertical axisA₆ which is offset from the midpoint between a front 416 and a rear 418of the support portion 414. The support portion 414 includes first andsecond walls 420, 422 circumferentially extending from a support surface424 in a direction parallel to the vertical axis A₆. The first andsecond walls 420, 422 can be positioned at substantially opposing sidesof the support surface 424 and can form first and second side openings426, 428 located between the first and second walls 420, 422.

The circumferential distance of the first side opening 426 between thefirst and second walls 420, 422 can be dimensioned smaller than thecircumferential distance of the second side opening 428. In someembodiments, the first wall 420 can be symmetrically configured relativeto the vertical axis A₆ while the second wall 422 can be asymmetricallyconfigured relative to the vertical axis A₆. The support surface 424 andthe first and second walls 420, 422 can define an interior space 430configured and dimensioned to house internal components, e.g., abattery, electrical contacts, a printed circuit board, supportstructures, and the like, which will be discussed in greater detailbelow. The circumferential distance of the second side opening 428 canbe dimensioned to permit a battery to be slid into the interior space430 through the second side opening 428 without interference from thefirst and second walls 420, 422. The circumferential distance of thefirst side opening 426 can be dimensioned to permit insertion of anarrow instrument or device through the first side opening 426 to pushthe battery out of the interior space 430 through the second sideopening 428. In some embodiments, the base 404 can include first andsecond circumferential lips 432, 434 between the first and second walls420, 422 extending from the support surface 424 in a direction parallelto the vertical axis A₆.

Each of the first and second walls 420, 422 can include a slot 436, 438extending a partial distance from the top surface 440 in the directionof the support surface 424 in a direction parallel to the vertical axisA₆. Each of the first and second walls 420, 422 can further include aninterior vertical rib 442, 444 aligned with and positioned below theslots 436, 438. The slots 436, 438 and the vertical ribs 442, 444 canprovide a space configured and dimensioned to receive complementaryextensions from a cap (which will be discussed below) such that the base404 and the cap can interlock to maintain the internal componentstherein.

With reference to FIGS. 67-73, perspective, top, bottom, front, rear andside views of an exemplary cap 446 are provided. The cap 446 can definea substantially egg-shaped configuration complementary to the cover 402and the base 404. The cap 446 includes an outer surface 448, e.g., a topsurface, and an interior surface 450. The cap 446 includes first andsecond walls 452, 454 circumferentially extending form the interiorsurface 450 along a portion of the circumference of the cap 446 in adirection parallel to a vertical axis A₇. The first and second walls452, 454 can be positioned on opposing sides of the cap 446. Thecircumferential distance of first wall 452 can be dimensioned smallerthan the circumferential distance of the second wall 454. In particular,the circumferential distance of the first wall 452 can be dimensionedcomplementary to the first side opening 426 of the support portion 414of the base 404, and the circumferential distance of the second wall 454can be dimensioned complementary to the second side opening 428 of thesupport portion 414 of the base 404.

The cap 446 further includes first and second protrusions 456, 458extending from the interior surface 450 in a direction parallel to thevertical axis A₇. The first and second protrusions 456, 458 can extend apartial distance between the interior surface 450 and the bottom surface460 of the cap 446, e.g., approximately half of the distance of thefirst and second walls 452, 454. The first and second protrusions 456,458 can be positioned on opposing sides of the cap 446. In someembodiments, the first protrusion 456 can be dimensioned wider than thesecond protrusion 458. In particular, the first and second protrusions456, 458 can be dimensioned complementary to the first and second slots432, 438 of the support portion 414 of the base 404. The first andsecond walls 452, 545, and the first and second protrusions 456, 458 canthereby form first, second, third and fourth side openings 462, 464,466, 468. In particular, the first side opening 462 can be formedbetween the first wall 452 and the first protrusion 456, the second sideopening 464 can be formed between the first wall 452 and the secondprotrusion 458, the third side opening 466 can be formed between thesecond wall 454 and the second protrusion 458, and the fourth sideopening 468 can be formed between the second wall 454 and the firstprotrusion 456. The circumferential distance of the second side opening464 can be dimensioned greater than the first, third and fourth sideopenings 462, 466, 468 to accommodate the asymmetrical portion of thesecond wall 422 of the support portion 414 of the base 404.

With reference to FIGS. 74-80, perspective, top, bottom, side and frontviews of an exemplary chassis 470 are provided. The chassis 470 can beconfigured and dimensioned complementary to the configuration of thebase 404 and the cap 446, e.g., a substantially egg-shapedconfiguration. The chassis 470 includes first-seventh walls 472-484extending along the perimeter in a direction away from and perpendicularto the top surface 208. The first-seventh walls 472-484 can form aninterior space 486 for housing and/or supporting a printed circuitboard. The circumferential distance of the second and sixth walls 474,482 can be dimensioned greater than the circumferential distance of thefirst, third, fourth, fifth and seventh walls 472, 476, 478, 480, 484.

The first-seventh walls 476-484 can form first-seventh side openings488-500 therebetween. In particular, the first side opening 488 can beformed between the first and seventh walls 472, 484, the second sideopening 490 can be formed between the first and second walls 472, 474,the third side opening 492 can be formed between the second and thirdwalls 474, 476, the fourth side opening 494 can be formed between thethird and fourth walls 476, 478, the fifth side opening 496 can beformed between the fourth and fifth walls 478, 480, the sixth sideopening 498 can be formed between the fifth and sixth walls 480, 482,and the seventh side opening 500 can be formed between the sixth andseventh walls 482, 484. It should be understood that the walls 476-484and the openings 488-500 can be configured and dimensioned to mate withthe components of the base 404 and the cap 446.

With reference to FIGS. 81-87, perspective, top, bottom, side and frontviews of an exemplary positive electrical contact 502 are provided. Thepositive electrical contact 502 includes a planar body 504 defining asubstantially rectangular configuration with chamfered corners. The body504 includes first, second and third walls 506, 508, 510 extendingperpendicularly relative to the body 504 on opposing sides of the body504. In particular, the third wall 510 can be offset from the secondwall 508 and can be positioned along one of the chamfered corners of thebody 504.

The first and second walls 506, 508 can define body portions 512, 516,e.g., a substantially rectangular body portions, and a first and secondrectangular extensions 514, 518 extending therefrom in a directionparallel to the first and second wall 506, 508, respectively. Theextensions 514, 518 can be narrower in width as compared to the firstand second walls 506, 508, respectively. The first wall 506 can benarrower in width as compared to the second wall 508. The third wall 510can define a body portion 520, e.g., a substantially rectangular bodyportion, and an extension 522 extending therefrom in a directionparallel to the third wall 510.

With reference to FIGS. 88 and 89, perspective and front views of thepositive electrical contact 502 and the negative electrical contact 306(see, e.g., FIGS. 30-36) are provided. In particular, FIGS. 88 and 89illustrate the spaced relationship between the positive and negativeelectrical contacts 502, 306 which define an inner passage 328 having aheight 330 for receiving a battery therein.

FIGS. 90-96 show perspective, top, bottom, side and front views of anexemplary chassis assembly 524 including a chassis 470, a positiveelectrical contact 502 and a negative electrical contact 306. Inparticular, the negative electrical contact 306 can be assembled withthe chassis 470 by aligning and inserting the body portion 314 and theextension 316 of the negative electrical contact 306 into and throughthe second electrical slot 244 of the chassis 470, and aligning andinserting the second wall 320 of the negative electrical contact 306into and through the first electrical slot 242 of the chassis 470. Thebody 308 of the negative electrical contact 306 can further be receivedby the deep recess 238 on the bottom surface 210 of the chassis 470. Thepositive electrical contact 502 can be assembled with the chassis 470 byaligning and inserting the extensions 514, 418, 522 of the positiveelectrical contact 502 into and at least partially through the first,fifth and fourth side openings 488, 496, 494, respectively. Theextensions 316, 522 of the negative and positive electrical contacts306, 502 can thereby extend above the top surface 208 of the chassis470.

FIG. 97 shows a top perspective view of a chassis assembly 524 includinga printed circuit board (PCB) 526. The asymmetrical positioning of theextensions 316, 522 of the negative and positive electrical contacts306, 502 can assist in guiding insertion and proper alignment of the PCB526. For example, a hole 528 of the PCB 526 can receive the extension316 and a notch 530 of the PCB 526 can receive the extension 522. Inaddition, upon positioning the PCB 526 on the top surface of the chassis470, first and second notches 532, 534 of the PCB 526 can align with thefirst and fifth side openings 488, 496 of the chassis 470 to permitmating with the cap 446.

With reference to FIGS. 98 and 99, perspective views of an exemplary capassembly 536 are provided. In particular, the cap assembly 536 includesa chassis assembly 524, a PCB 526 and a cap 446. As discussed above, theprotrusions and side openings of the cap 446 and the chassis assembly524 can mate in the assembled configuration. For example, FIGS. 98 and99 show the first protrusion 456 of the cap 446 aligned with andinserted through the first side opening 488 of the chassis 470. Itshould be understood that the second protrusion 458 can be similarlyaligned with and inserted through the fifth side opening 496. In theassembled configuration, the actuator 334 of the PCB 526 can be centeredrelative to the opening 178 of the cap 446. Thus, except for the exposedactuator 334, the PCB 526 can be enclosed by the chassis 502 and the cap446.

FIGS. 100 and 101 show perspective and side views of an exemplary baseand cap assembly 538. In particular, the base and cap assembly 538include a cap 446, a chassis assembly 524, a PCB 526 and a base 404. Asdiscussed above, the protrusions and slots of the cap 446 and the base404 can mate in the assembled configuration. For example, the first andsecond protrusions 456, 458 of the cap 446 can be aligned and mated withthe first and second slots 436, 438 of the base 404. In someembodiments, the base 404 can be fixedly secured, e.g., ultrasonicallywelded, snapped, and the like, to the cap assembly 536 such that thebase 404 and the cap assembly 536 cannot be separated from each other.The internal components of the cap assembly 536 can thereby be protectedfrom exposure and/or undesired disassembly.

As can be seen in FIG. 101, in the assembled configuration, the innerpassage 328 between the positive and negative electrical contacts 502,306 can be maintained and exposed through a portion of the second sideopening 428 in the base 404. Further, in the assembled configuration, aportion of the first side opening 426 in the base 404 can extend intothe inner passage 328 on an opposing side of the base and cap assembly538 relative to the first side opening 428. Thus, a battery can be slidor inserted into the inner passage 328 and pushed into the inner passage328 until the battery is fully positioned or enclosed within the baseand cap assembly 538. For replacement of the battery, an instrument ordevice, e.g., a golf tee, can be passed through the first side opening426 to push or eject the battery from the second side opening 428 andout of the inner passage 328.

FIG. 102 shows a side cross-sectional view of the device 400 in anassembled configuration. In particular, the device 400 includes thecover 402, the base 404, the cap 446, the chassis 470, the positiveelectrical contact 502, the negative electrical contact 306, and the PCB526. The cover 402 can be assembled relative to the base and capassembly 538 by at least partially positioning the base and cap assembly538 into the interior portion 116 of the cover 402 and providing anupward force on the base and cap assembly 538 (and/or a downward forceon the cover 402) to snap the circumferential flange 120 of the cover402 over the edge of the bottom surface 126 of the base 404. Thus, theexemplary device 400 monitors performance characteristics associatedwith user activities involving a swinging instrument, maintains thebattery in a secure housing during use of the device 400, and providesconvenient access to the battery for replacement and/or insertion.

Turning now to FIGS. 103-111, an alternative embodiment of an exemplarydevice is provided. It should be understood that the device can besubstantially similar in structure and function to the device 100 ofFIGS. 1-52, except for the distinctions noted herein. Thus, likestructural elements are marked with like reference characters. FIGS. 103and 104 show perspective and bottom views of an exemplary cover 600.Rather than including a circumferential flange, the cover 600 caninclude a circumferential groove 602 offset from the bottom surface 112.Adjacent to the groove 602, the cover 600 further includes undulatingfeatures 604. The undulating features 604 can include a plurality ofcircumferentially positioned male and female members 606, 608, e.g.,grooves, configured and dimensioned to receive complementary male andfemale members of the base. For example, the male members 606 can extendcloser to the bottom surface 112 relative to the female members 608 in adirection substantially parallel to the central vertical axis A₈.

FIGS. 105-107 show perspective, bottom and top views of an exemplarybase 610. In some embodiments, the base 610 can include features of thebases discussed above. The base 610 includes a support portion 612 fromwhich extends the fastening portion 124. The support portion 612 candefine undulating features 614 extending therefrom. In particular, theundulating features 614 include a plurality of male and female members616, 618 extending radially relative to the central vertical axis A₉.Although illustrated as substantially rectangular, in some embodiments,the male and female members 616, 618 can define alternativeconfigurations, e.g., triangular, oval, semicircular, and the like. Themale and female members 616, 618 of the base 610 can be configured anddimensioned to be complementary to the male and female members 606, 608of the cover 600 such that the male and female members 616, 618 can beinserted into the corresponding male and female members 606, 608. Theinterlocked undulating features 604, 614 can thereby prevent rotation ofthe cover 600 relative to the base 610.

Further, the male and female members 616, 618 can be inserted into thecorresponding male and female members 606, 608 such that the supportportion 612 of the base 610 is positioned beyond the circumferentialgroove 602, e.g., farther from the bottom surface 112 of the cover 600than the circumferential groove 602. Once the base 610 and the cover 600are assembled, a retaining ring 620 of FIG. 108 can be compressed andinserted into the circumferential groove 602 to lock the cover 600 andthe base 610 together. In particular, the retaining ring 620 can becompressed to fit the retaining ring 620 within the circumferentialgroove 602 and, upon release, the retaining ring 620 can expand toprevent removal of the base 610 from the cover 600.

With reference to FIGS. 109-111, perspective, bottom and cross-sectionalviews of an exemplary device 650 are provided. In particular, FIGS.109-111 show the base 610 assembled with the cover 600 and FIG. 111shows the retaining ring 620 positioned within the circumferentialgroove 602 of the cover 600 to interlock the base 610 relative to thecover 600. It should be understood that the interior space 116 can beconfigured and dimensioned to include, e.g., a PCB, a chassis, apositive electrical contact, a negative electrical contact, a cap, abattery, and the like. Thus, the exemplary devices discussed herein canmonitor performance characteristics associated with user activitiesinvolving a swinging instrument, maintain the battery in a securehousing during use of the devices, and provide convenient access to thebattery for replacement and/or insertion.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A device for attachment to a swinging instrument, comprising: acover, a base including a fastening portion and a support portion, achassis for supporting a printed circuit board, positive and negativeelectrical contacts, and a cap configured and dimensioned to materelative to the support portion of the base, wherein the support portionsupports the chassis, the printed circuit board, the positive andnegative electrical contacts, and the cap, wherein the cover isconfigured and dimensioned detachably interlock relative to the base tocover the chassis, the printed circuit board, the positive and negativeelectrical contacts, and the cap, and wherein in the matedconfiguration, the cap and the base form a battery opening configuredand dimensioned to receive therethrough a battery.
 2. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an innercircumferential flange configured and dimensioned to snap over an edgeof a bottom surface of the base to detachably interlock the cover to thebase.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cover and the basecomprise complementary undulating features for detachably interlockingthe cover to the base.
 4. The device according to claim 1, comprising aretaining ring positioned within a circumferential groove in an innersurface of the cover to detachably interlock the cover and the base. 5.The device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises adepressible button on a top surface for actuating an actuator of theprinted circuit board.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein thedepressible button translates a protrusion on an interior surface of thecover through an opening in the cap to actuate the actuator of theprinted circuit board.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein thefastening portion comprises a shaft including an external thread.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the support portion of the basecomprises a first side opening and a second side opening, at least aportion of the first side opening forming the battery opening.
 9. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein in the mated configuration, the capand the base form an opening configured and dimensioned to receive aninstrument therethrough to eject the battery.
 10. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the support portion of the base comprises two ormore slots and the cap comprises two or more complementary protrusionsextending therefrom, the two or more slots and the two or morecomplementary protrusions being configured and dimensioned to materelative to each other.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein thechassis comprises two electrical slots for receiving extensions of thenegative electrical contact therethrough.
 12. The device according toclaim 11, wherein the chassis comprises a recessed portion on a bottomsurface for receiving a body portion of the negative electrical contact.13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises aplurality of side openings or slots for receiving extensions of thepositive electrical contact therethrough.
 14. The device according toclaim 1, wherein the positive electrical contact comprises a body, firstand second walls extending from the body, and extensions extending fromthe first and second walls, the first wall being asymmetrical relativeto the second wall.
 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein thenegative electrical contact comprises a body, first and second wallsextending from the body, and an extension extending from the first wall,the first wall being asymmetrical relative to the second wall.
 16. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the cover defines an off-centerconfiguration.
 17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the batteryopening is a side opening
 18. A method of device assembly for attachmentto a swinging instrument, comprising: assembling positive and negativeelectrical contacts with a chassis, positioning a printed circuit boardon the chassis to form a chassis assembly, the chassis supporting theprinted circuit board thereon, assembling the chassis assembly with acap to form a cap assembly, and mating the cap assembly with a base, thebase including a fastening portion and a support portion, wherein thesupport portion supports the chassis, the printed circuit board, thepositive and negative electrical contacts, and the cap, and wherein inthe mated configuration, the cap assembly and the base form a batteryopening configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough a battery.19. The method according to claim 18, comprising detachably interlockinga cover relative to the base to cover the cap assembly.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19, comprising positioning a retaining ring within acircumferential groove in an inner surface of the cover to detachablyinterlock the cover relative to the base.